Are Cocklebur Icks Real?

For those of you who don’t know, the Cocklebur Ick is one of the extinct stars of Lost on Infinity, the first story from Rockford’s Rock Opera – our unique adventure in sound. As you’ll know, they are cute, small yellow creatures with rough green stripes down their backs who had the misfortune to stick to things (including Rockford the dog, in our audio story). You may also know that Cocklebur seeds were the inspiration for the invention of Velcro – hence their name.

When, in the audiobook, we meet the Cocklebur Ick she’s on her way to the Island of Infinity and a home amongst the world’s extinct creatures and so is, unfortunately, the last Cocklebur Ick… take a look at the Tale of the Cocklebur Ick video to know more.

Well, the truth is, I don’t really know. Originally, I thought we’d made them up, but then someone wrote to us from Hitchin in Hertfordshire (UK) to say they remember Cocklebur Icks playing in the streets at night when they were children. Since the writer was in her 80s when she wrote this, it must have been a long time ago.

So, in search of the truth, we’re shortly off on safari to Hitchin to ask the locals if anyone else remembers Cocklebur Icks. We’ll let you know… What do you think?

The whole story – Lost on Infinity – is available to download and listen to on our website. Like many extraordinary adventures, this one starts innocently enough in Battersea Park, but DO NOT be fooled… this is a journey like NO other…

You can get the Lost on Infinity illustrated book with a free musical audiobook. It is designed to be a rich and immersive experience.

You can also listen to the first part of the audiobook and watch the animated adventure for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

We also offer free lesson plans and slides on extinction and biomimicry. You can also find more free classroom activities on our website.

For more ideas, explore the Stories, Science & Secrets podcast for kids. Each episode looks at how nature inspires science and storytelling.

Every creature has a secret. Every life is precious.

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About the creators

Elaine Sweetapple is an illustrator and co-creator of Rockford’s Rock Opera. She writes about nature, biomimicry and storytelling.

Matthew Sweetapple is a writer and producer. He focuses on adventure-led environmental stories.

Steve Punt is a writer and broadcaster. He is known for his work on BBC radio and television. He is also a co-creator of Rockford’s Rock Opera.

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Rockford’s Rock Opera adventures are written by professional writers, illustrated by artists, and recorded by real musicians, actors and producers. Crafted by humans, the hard way 🎶😊💚